How many miles per gallon does a 1940 Ford Deluxe get?
In 1940 there were no official miles-per-gallon ratings published for passenger cars, so the Ford Deluxe’s fuel economy is best described in approximate ranges. Real-world mileage typically fell in the mid-teens to low-20s, depending on engine choice, gearing, and driving conditions.
Understanding the setup of the 1940 Ford Deluxe
Several factors in the era determined fuel economy, and restoration experts and vintage-car owners often point to a mix of powertrain, weight, and driving style when estimating mpg. The following factors influenced how far a gallon would go in a 1940 Ford Deluxe:
- Engine choice (flathead V8 versus six-cylinder) and its power output
- Vehicle weight and chassis design
- Transmission type and gear ratios
- Aerodynamics and rolling resistance (tires and wheel size)
- Driving style and road conditions
- Maintenance status and fuel quality
Taken together, these variables meant a wide range of mpg from car to car and trip to trip in the 1940 Ford Deluxe era.
What mpg numbers look like for common driving scenarios
Historical references and owner reports suggest the following rough ranges for everyday use. They are approximate and depend on the specific drivetrain and condition.
- City or stop-and-go driving: roughly 12–18 mpg
- Long highway runs at steady speeds: roughly 18–25 mpg
- Overall mixed driving (combined): roughly 15–20 mpg
In practice, actual mileage often fell toward the lower end in urban conditions and could edge higher on open roads with careful driving and proper maintenance.
Engine options and their impact on fuel economy
Flathead V8 configuration
The standard powerplant for many Deluxe models was Ford’s flathead V8, a heavier, power-rich engine by the standards of its day. This configuration could deliver mileage in the low-teens to mid-20s depending on speed, load, and tune; urban driving usually pulled the figure lower, while steady highway cruising improved efficiency.
Straight-six configuration
Some Deluxe configurations offered a smaller inline-six option. Lighter weight and different gearing could yield modest improvements in highway efficiency, with mixed-driving mpg typically in the mid-teens to low-20s range, subject to maintenance and driving style.
Summary
There is no official EPA rating for the 1940 Ford Deluxe, given the era. Expect approximate fuel-economy ranges in the mid-teens to low-20s mpg, with variability driven by engine choice, weight, gearing, and how the car is driven. For vintage-car enthusiasts, these figures are best viewed as informed estimates rather than precise measurements.
